Looking for a new baitcaster in the $200 range

[Sbpk]

I've been looking to drop a decent amount of money on a baitcaster as the title entails. So far I've been looking at the 2020 Daiwa Tatula SV TWS, Lews Tournament Pro LFS, and the Shimano Curado K and Shimano Curado 70 MGL. This will mainly be for topwater, weightless plastics, and cranks on a medium rod. I've tried the Tatula and liked it but didn't care as much for the "whirring" noise it makes when casting, despite it being able to bomb lures. I've heard this is a common thing with Daiwa and didn't know if anyone had figured out how to smoothen or eliminate this casting noise as I really liked the reel otherwise. I'm also open to any suggestions for other reels from other/same brands! Please let me know what you guys think and if you have any suggestions!

[Corey T]

I can only speak to the ‘20 Tatula SV TW but I will say that I have had a positive experience with my 3. I don’t think it will win many distance competitions but I really have to work to backlash. I skip lures quite a bit and believe that the SV spool helps. I also think the SV is very “light lure” friendly when paired with an appropriate rod. Not sure about the sound issue as I have not had that experience. For me, the reel does better with FC or mono than braid but I still use braid quite a bit and am plenty happy. FC just jumps off is all. 

[garroyo130]

What noise are you referring to? All my reels sound pretty similar when casting. 

 

I wouldn't swap reels based on that alone. Maybe add a drop of oil to the spool bearings? 

 

Anyhow only thing I can say about the reels you mentioned is I personally wouldn't go for the Curado K for throwing weightless plastics. 

[jbsoonerfan]

No experience with the Daiwa or Lews. I do own the 200K and 70 MGL and I would go with the 70 MGL of those two for the techniques you plan to use it for.

[Dens228]

Was a Lews guy, now a Daiwa.   
I really like the SV TW and if there's a whirring noise add a drop of oil to both sides of the spool.

 

[JWall14]

I own a Tatula SV but I only got it because it was on a great sale. The T wing can snag ur leader knot if you fish braid to leader. My brother just got the Curado MGL and it is sick- this coming from a curado DC user. Not better than the DC, but it is super smooth I love the smaller size.

[FishTank]

I have couple of Curado K's and love them so far.  Smooth, casts well, and brings in fish.

[JohnnyF]

Have you tried cleaning the reel yet? If I were to start all over, I'd buy all 70mgls especially for lighter baits. Smooth and very compact. The tat sv is a fine reel don't get me wrong but doesn't fit my hand as well as the 70mgl. I've used the previous gen tat sv, curado k, 70mgl, slx DC, older Lew's tourney pros, curado e's and chronarch mgl. 

[swhit140]

Go with either Daiwa or Shimano, the only reel brands I've ever used. All I currently use is Daiwa, but you shouldn't be disappointed with either brand. Maybe your reel may need a little lubrication.

[FrankN209]

4 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

What noise are you referring to? All my reels sound pretty similar when casting. 

My Antares A is significantly quieter than my Steez when casting. Just saying.